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Here’s a fun little video we did with Toby Mac’s song,
“Love Is In The House”.
[weaver_youtube id=WsHSZ9y41AI percent=100% center=0 rel=0 modestbranding=0](used with permission)

Love Suffers Long

The first phrase in
I Corinthians 13:4 is translated as either
“Love (Agape) suffers long” or
“Love (Agape) is kind.”

If we go back to the original language, Greek, we find that the word is “makrothumeo” (μακροθυμέω).
The Strong’s number is G3114.Thayer’s Greek Lexicon gives this definition.

1) to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart
1a) to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles
1b) to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others
1b1) to be mild and slow in avenging
1b2) to be longsuffering, slow to anger/punish

January 2015

Hope Against Hope, Part 3

by Nancy Missler

God continually tests our faith to see if we trust Him. He continually asks us: Will you hope in Me when the unthinkable happens in your life? Will you, like Moses, hold up the Word of God when the enemy advances, or will you drop the Word and let the enemy come in like a flood?

Psalm 81 tells us that if we call on the Lord (if we trust Him and if we hope in Him) when we are in trouble He will answer us in the secret place of thunder. Do we believe Him? Will we trust Him in our difficult times?

As we mentioned in last month’s newsletter, this secret place of thunder can be compared to the Valley of Baca or the Valley of Tears in the Old Testament. The Valley of Baca was known for its difficult terrain, its barrenness and its black shadows. Psalm 84 tells us that the faithful pilgrims who made it through the darkness of this valley, were able to turn the whole frightening experience around and make it into a “well of blessing.” Scripture says that as a result, they went from “strength (in the Lord) to more strength (in the Lord).”

In this new series of articles on the subject of “hope,” we will explore the basic question in all of our minds: How do we, in our most difficult times, “Lay hold of the hope that is before us”? (Hebrews 6:18)

Darkness from Above

The Valley of Baca and the Place of Thunder are among the many places in the Bible that speak about darkness. Darkness means an absence of light. In various contexts, darkness can mean something sinister, but there is also a darkness (an absence of light) that God allows. Listen to Isaiah 50:10:

Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the Name if the Lord and stay upon his God.

Notice that the person being spoken of here not only “fears the Lord” but also “obeys His voice.” Consequently, this Scripture is talking about a believer who is faithful and obedient. And yet, it says this saint still walks in darkness and has no light.

And, it’s so true. Many of the trials that God allows into our lives come with an absence of light, i.e., they are absolutely confusing, bewildering and perplexing. Scripture sometimes calls them “the fire of testing.” Psalm 66, for example, speaks about this and says that this is the time that God proves us and tests us as silver. If we understand what He is doing and how we are to endure the darkness and the fire, then we will come out as “gold” in the end. So, yes, God often allows darkness, afflictions and difficulties, but only with the purpose of renewing our strength and turning our difficult times into “wells of blessing.”

The Presence of God in the Darkness

It’s interesting because many, many Scriptures throughout the Bible associate God’s presence with darkness and “a thick cloud.” Consider Exodus 19:9, where God says to Moses: “Lo, I come to thee in a thick cloud.” And Exodus 34:5: “And the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him.” And Exodus 40:38: “…for the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day and the fire was on it by night.” Even in the New Testament, John 12:29 says: “they heard the thunder in the cloud,” speaking of God’s voice, and they were fearful. (Luke 9:34)

These Scriptures seem to suggest that God’s presence is simply obscured in darkness, so we must not think of “darkness” in itself as being something bad or fearful or scary. (Exodus 20:21; 2 Chronicles 6:1; Psalm 97:2) It’s simply one of the ways that God manifests Himself.

Even in Solomon’s Temple, the Scriptures say that the Holy Place was so filled with the cloud of God’s presence that the priests were unable to minister. (1 Kings 8:10–11)

Consequently, it’s important to understand that many of the times we are walking “closest to the Lord,” we will experience His presence in the form of a cloud or darkness.

Just as the saints in the Valley of Baca and the Valley of the Shadow of Death experienced darkness, shadows and the cloud of His presence on their way to worshiping, we will often experience the same. But even in our darkness, He is always there. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us.

I do not believe, however, that God causes these night seasons or our valleys of Baca experiences; He just allows them and then uses them for His purposes. It’s in the middle of these times that He asks us, “Do you trust Me?”

Join Us!The HOPE Conference

(Click below to see)

Take the Quiz!See the verses above and below? Can you remember the full verse for either one?
Do you know the reference?
Give it a try, then look them up.
For extra credit you can come back in a few days and see if you remember!

Comments

Home — 40 Comments

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”
— Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭14-16‬ (Revised Version 1885)

Dear sweet sister in Christ Nancy,
I was looking for a scripture tonight that would encourage you. I was led to Psalm 46. Verse 7 says” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. This really hit my heart. Then I read further and the same exact words were repeated in Verse 11. We are praying for you and know that the Lord has all under his control.
Agape,
Robin Kirk

Thank you so very much!
We pray that you will find comfort, grace and truth here on our website and feel “At Home” as you spend time here with us.
May the Lord bless you as you seek Him for your every need.
In Him,
Lori and The King’s High Way Team

Our ladies Bible Study would like to do Nancy’s new book, Hope Against Hope, in the Fall. Do you think the book will be available by September? We would order one hundred or more copies.
Our ladies have been praying for Nancy.

Hi Kit!
Thank you so much for your prayers for Nan!
We are so excited to know that your group is looking forward to Nan’s Bible Study,”Hope Against Hope”!
It will be available for this fall Bible Studies, and we will announce the date as soon as we have the shipment confirmed!
Agape,
Lori and The King’s High Way Ministries Team!

I thank the Eternal for the introductory excerpt from your book(Passing through the Night)which I just read. I began weeping from the moment I started reading it. I have been struggling so profoundly with my faith and my relationship with God (The Holy Spirit kept me from totally falling away). There have been so many problems in my life that I really felt like just giving up and frankly I really tried, however as hard as I tried for some reason I just could not escape. So finding myself in an inescapable situation I sunk into deep depression (it seems that I was not destined for the easy way out). God has preserved me for His own purpose and for His glory. So the point is, I could sense that your words were written with great compassion and personal understanding. At the right time God has brought me to a place of encouragement (in the midst of His correction). I have heard, read and listened to hundreds (no thousands) of Christian articles and outside of the Good Book your words were exceptionally beautiful and relevant. Thank You and God bless your ministery.

Hello Will,
We are so touched to know how much it blessed you to find our website!
Your words are so encouraging to us as well!
We pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort you during this season that you are going through.
Enjoy our website and share our Ministry and website with others who will be encouraged too!
All for His Kingdom and Glory,
The King’s High Way Team

Hi Nancy God bless you my sister and chuck, my brother ,and bless ur house ur, children. . jus wanted to say it’s so joyful knowing u are doing much better and are clear of that poison . I give all glory all praise all.credit all.thanks to the holy one of Israel yeshua Jesus Christ our heavenly farther son of thee God great merciful creator of all life of heaven and earth threw out the universe thee one true God .for working his will in you . I lost well never lost my mother . But my mother fought that poison for long time till it was time for her to go home to be with God and his son our heavenly farther. and I didn’t become the son she deserved and whom God our heavenly farther intended me to be till at end of her fight.but it wasn’t the end it was only the beginning. I’m soooo happy that the farther the ( I am that I am ) God great merciful creator and his son ……………….(yeshua Jesus Christ )our Lord of lords king of kings holy of holys Lord of hosts ……yeshua Jesus Christ…. …………… ….the farther ,son,holyspirit ,had heard all our prayers I ask God almighty our farther and his son our saviour .praise the Lord our God for the Lord our God is one to hear all his children prayer s and crys and to help all.those who believe in you farther and for those who don’t believe I ask and pray you farther to help bring are brothers and sisters in to.Christ..and that you God our father bless ur helpers ( fishers ) that truly teaching it word faithfully and truthfuly .for we all fall short and come short of ur son our saviour and reedmer… keep them in ur strength whom you have chosen .for we all need to be in ur path in ur will .in your name Jesus Christ I ask this help us to turn back to you or for first time to turn to you farther holy one of Israel yeshua Jesus Christ amen. Dear Nancy ….I didn’t mean to rite a long text but I did. Wish you and church and me could.talk I jus ain’t.good with the email thing texting thing I’m.on cell.fome sometimes word.get.miss spelled. It’s lot easier to talk on fone or in person ..but me know how very busy u and ur house is .so maybe sometime we will get that chance . May God almighty will it. In.yeshua Jesus Christ name Amen God bless u my sister…

I am considering ordering the downloads of the Way of Agape. What I need to no is that once I order it will it be sent by way of email? and will it be printable? I already have the books but feel the downloads may be better.

I pray that this will help in our study that we began next Wednesday. I have done this study previously, approximately 15 years ago and look forward to being a leader this time.

I was not aware of Nancy having cancer. And I can relate with her because I too had myoplastic breast cancer 2 years ago with a 30% percent chance of survival. As I announced to the wonderful doctors that Christ put in my life, my God is the ultimate physician. And he, only he, knows when it is time for me to come home. From the first day that I knew I had cancer I was never afraid. I knew that I must walk by faith and with Christ I did. I will continue to do so daily.

We now have a cancer support group at our church and I pray moment to moment that each of our family within our group will too realize that God will carry us when we cannot walk.

Hi Ann!
It was so nice to talk with you today!
Keep in touch and let us know if we can assist you with anything else.
We always love to hear testimonies from the Bible Studies.
We also agree with you that Jesus is “The Great Physician” and may He continue to bless you with Divine health, favor and grace!
Blessings as you as you teach and lead others in God’s Word!
All for His Kingdom and Glory~
Lori and The King’s High Way Team

I’m a (fairly) long-time (~20 yrs.) fan of yours and Chuck’s. (Hey … how come I had to put an apostrophe in “Chuck’s,” but not between the “r” and “s” in “yours”? LOL). I’m a fairly new student (since last June). Got my Bronze last month. I’m so happy with it, I just might get it bronzed!

I was delighted to “hear” your February 12 update, and your testimony about Psalm 118, which I read again. Now I have tears all over my keyboard (… well, almost. I’m wearing glasses). Another example of our Lord using ill for good … the book is going to be phenomenal.

Dearest Nan
I sent you a long email as soon as I learned of all that you have endured this past year, but just in case you don’t receive it, wanted to send this short note to let you know that you and Chuck are in Scott’s and my prayers daily. I am praising God for His faithfulness to one of His most beloved and faithful servants whose ministry has touched so many lives, including mine! “The LORD bless and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD look upon you with favor and give you peace.” I love you dearly, Betty Hightower

I was reading Nancys recent post and was wondering if she felt like she was being chastened by the Lord. And if she did feel this way what was it that she felt she was being chastened for.(One week ago, on 2/4/14, the Lord had me read Psalms 118:17-18. It was my normal devotional time, so I had no expectations of what He would say to me. I wasn’t familiar with the passage of Scripture He had given me to read either. This is what it said: “You shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord!” It went on to say, “The Lord has chastened me sore, but He has not given me over unto death.”) Thanks JRP

When Nancy quoted those verses, her focus was on, “You shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.” That came at a time when death from the cancer was a strong possibility in some minds. She has said that if God,”needed to chasten me in some way, I’m sure He did it in His perfect and loving way.”

She also points out Hebrews 12:10-14
(10) For they [human fathers] indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
(11) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
(12) Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,
(13) and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
(14) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Nan said, “If it took some “chastening” in my life to do that [be a partaker], then, praise God.”

We continue to pray for you Nancy that the Lord will comfort, encourage and heal you from this dreaded cancer you have been suffering with. We pray for “His grace and strength” to be your daily portion, and that He will bring you through this time, and make you stronger than you were before the disease struck you.

We are praying for Chuck too, as he travels from one ministry site, to another, preaching and teaching; we pray for his safety, and good health, for wisdom and strength, as he speaks and meets with others, Christians, and non-Christians alike.

May God continue to bless you both exceedingly as you labor for Him! You are in our thoughts and prayers regularly, for all that you do for the Gospel!

Dearest Nancy, Praise be to the Lord…!!! What an awesome God we serve. Since the beginning of your trial I have felt in my heart and soul that God was going to use your trial in a mighty way. He needed a vessel that was willing to have faith and to trust Him. You have been an inspiration to so many. I have prayed for you as well as so many men and women that care. Praise be to God on your closeness and devotion to our Lord. Continue to write…your book on Agape Love influenced my life so much, along with your husbands podcasts that I listen to daily.
God’s perfect grace and peace be with you. My love…in Christ. Marsha Groves

Hello Nancy, Thank God for the grace he has given you to continue His in full capacity. There is no doubt His word is fulfilled in you by giving you “ALL” including sound health and healing that pertains to Life and Godliness…. God will continue to increase you and increase the fruitfulness of the work of your hands and that of Pastor Chuck. Samuelson Osoba – Lagos, Nigeria.

So happy to read your last update, Nan! Praise the Lord !! You have been going through this valley and are such an inspiration!!! I pray the Lord will now bring you up , out into the sunshine into a place of good health and well being. You are well and truly loved.

So much love and hope in just one prayer. I’m so pleased that you can feel Gods love through all this that you are going through. I hope and pray that the end of this time in your life is soon. And you awaken soon with a wonderful feeling of well being . God Bless you Nan

Dear Nancy – I have tears of joy – my heart is overflowing with the amazing power of God’s love and grace over reading your update on February 12, 2014!!!! I will continue to keep you in prayer! Looking so forward to your study on HOPE!! Love in Christ Jesus,
Kathy Paulus

Dear Nancy,
I have only just now discovered the journey that you have been on over the last year and the brave battle that you have fought. Chuck and you are very dear to me. I have met the both of you a long time ago in Calvary Auckland NZ. I thank the Lord for the beautiful scripture that He has given you and the Healing that He has brought. I would love to encourage you to look into eating a raw diet from now on as this will help your body heal, recover and prevent future outbreaks of cancer. Please check out this dear Christian mans website chrisbeatscancer.com. Our western diet is Predominantly acid forming as our refined food and cooked food leave acid froming residues in our blood. This not only thickens the blood, but doesnt’ allow enough oxygen and nutrients to our cells and organs…these over time starve. Acidocis sets in and this is a breeding and feedingground for cancer cells.
There are two factors always present with cancer cells – an acid pH and a lack of oxygen. Both factors are caused by acidosis due to our high refined diet. Eating raw – uncooked plant diet rich in nutrients and vitamins is alkaline forming in our body which oxydises our cells and feeds them the right nutrition. I esure you such a diet is yummy. I look forward to more of your posts. My prayers are with you and your family. Lots of love Klaudia

Dearest Nancy,
What wonderful news !!!! I am so grateful, as are all who know you, that your recent reports from the doctors are so positive. I will continue to pray for your continued healing and “return to normal”.
With much love, Betsy

My friend was told chemo would only make her sick since the cancer was on the blood vessel that fed her only kidney. They said she should go home and make peace with God. This was at UC, my husband was in a study there and would see her there from time to time. She was diagnosed over 12 years ago, and she still has it but she has not died. The doctor does not understand it. This person is not even giving God glory as far as I know. I haven’t talked to her lately, but I saw her drive by the other day. My husband is still here after 10 years, and has cancer in his bones in four places. He has been doing hormonal treatment, it has not been harsh, like chemo or radiation. We are here as long as God sees need for us to be here, and then he calls us home. It is hard to understand why some are called to bear so much, but since he is a perfect father we know He has a good reason or it wouldn’t be. I have prayed to die if I had to go another day in pain, but after 5 or 6 years of migraine headaches, he took them away, and I haven’t had another one. That was over fifteen years ago. I never doubted His love for me ever. I am praying for you and your family. Thank you for encouraging all of us to be strong. We love you. Dianne from Northern CA

Shema Christian Ministries, in Meadow Lakes (Wasilla) Alaska, is cotinuing in prayer for you, Mrs. Missler. We thank the Lord for your ministry and the many lives you and your husband have touched by the grace of God. Be blessed. Pastor D

I don’t think it was by accident that I came home from work tonight telling my husband that I wanted to “check on you”. You were on my heart. Has it occurred to you that you are living the title of your book to the utmost degree? Nancy, Please do not be discouraged by what the doctors say. They are fallen creatures just like us. Only empowered by the will of our Lord. I am praying for Him to give them wisdom and for you to have a divine healing. For His glory!
I searched the scriptures tonight until my heart was moved. 1 Peter CH 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than that of gold that perisheth, though it may be tried by fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
Agape, Robin Kirk Winter Park,Fl.

Dearest Nancy,
Sent you a long e-mail yesterday which I hope you received. I am writing again today just to reiterate that you are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Stay strong dear friend and with your faith and everyone’s prayers you will continue to heal.
With much love, Betsy

Hi Betsy,
Be assured that your email will be forwarded on to Nancy, and this comment will go as well. The timing is not instant, though, because it is manually forwarded by staff. Also keep in mind that although Nan is upbeat and rejoicing, her schedule and health do not allow her to read email each day.

Nancy has said many times that she deeply appreciates each person’s intercession for her and believes that it has helped sustain her. As James 5:16b says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

thank you Tim for your reply- it was much appreciated. Nancy and I have been friends since high school and she has a very special place in my heart. She is such a special human being as I know you all are aware of too.
Thanks again for your timely response.
Betsy McGee

I first learned of you and your ministry through your husband’s on satellite radio. God has used both you and Chuck instrumentally in drawing me closer to Jesus. Thank you for allowing God to use you. I am praying for both of you as well as your families during this time. I am praying for mercy,courage!!,peace and healing. I add more specific requests as they come to me. I am studying to be a prayer warrior. One day I’ll get to meet you and it will be like meeting my sister! In Him, sharon

Dear Nancy,
Our Bible Study Group is keeping you in our prayers. There is a special diet that might help starve the cancer. Doug Kaufmann, a Christian, believes most diseases are caused by fungus. The main food cancer cells lives on is sugar and foods that turn into sugar in our system. He has a web site: http://www.knowthecause.org that can be helpful. I pray that this information is useful. Kathleen Rogers

Dear Nancy,
Please know that many of your friends in Southern California are praying for you. I have learned so much from your website – you are truly a woman of God.
love, Patsy and Tom from Santa Barbara

Wow Nancy Now I am praising God too how awesome! He really did bless you with full healing and now he can shower you with every wonderful thing too! I am so so happy for you and your family and the ministry that you are so compassionate about and finally my heart is full of happiness too! God Bless. I really look forward to meeting you in person one day